In Detail

Next to several restaurants which gives access to the most important facilities of a hotel

This traditional 17th Century house in a Provence village square is tastefully decorated and stylishly furnished in high quality and traditional provençal manner. A rural Provence gite with many of the original features. Furnished with antiques giving it character, atmosphere and a feeling of being a home. The house has original oak beams, a wood burning fire for romantic evenings, original spiral staircase and a covered terrace with a view of the village and town square.

This self-catering house is in the heart of the delightfully sunny Var. The village is lively all year round and has immediate access to local shops and facilities. This gives you all the benefits of a hotel. You have the choice of eating in or eating out at one of the many local restaurants or bars. You can choose from an inexpensive snack to several critically acclaimed restaurants recommended in the Provence-Cote D'Azure Guide Gantié. Coffee is served in the café downstairs from six in the morning. There are over 8 restaurants and bars in the village, 5 of which are less than 300 meters from the house. The nearest supermarket and 3 bakeries are all less than 500 meters away. The Flayosc area is relatively unspoilt with 200k of walks and mountain bike trails. Explore the areas on horse back, on foot or by bike.

Property details Maison Mimosa has 2 bedrooms, 1 large bathroom, sleeps a maximum of 5
• 3 floors of 27 sq. meters each
• Large lounge, dining room, country style kitchenette with open log fire and original oak beamed ceiling, with windows overlooking the central village square. fridge, stove, crockery and cutlery are provided
• All bed linen is made of cotton
• Accessed by winding original spiral stone staircase, winding majestically up four floors
• Furnished to a high standard in Provençal style with antiques
• 2 double bedrooms one opening onto the terrace with large patio doors, and original oak beamed ceilings
- both rooms have romantic Provençal style bed drapes. One bedroom has one double bed, the other bedroom has one double bed and a single bed
• King size double bed 2m x 1.6m
• Private outside semi-shaded sun terrace for eating and relaxing, with panoramic views of the village and surrounding countryside
• Large bathroom with large bath and bidet, separate WC, and a clothes washing machine and tumble dryer
• Crockery, cutlery, pots, pans, linen, electricity and water included. Towels for indoor use only. No hidden extras. Electric heaters for winter use
• Original ceramic ochre-coloured oxaganol tomettes tiled floors
• Pop downstairs for your coffee and breakfast, as well as delicious Plat du jour at midday – no need to cook at all! - Over 8 restaurants and bars in the village just downstairs
• No smokers please
• May not be suitable for small children due to stone staircase and four floors. No lift
• Lots of free and secure parking in village 50 meters of the house

Provence - a wonderful holiday location

300 days of sunshine a year, this area is ideal all year round. With wonderful walks climbing, canoeing golfing and colourful Provençal markets. One and a half hours from skiing. The wonderful wines of this area are not to be missed. The Flayosc area is relatively unspoilt with 200k of walks and mountain bike trails. Flayosc is a peaceful rural village where Provençal style and a good life is the norm. There are many excellent shops and fine restaurants that enable the visitor to experience the provençal way of life. Few villages have such rich and detailed archives as Flayosc including beautiful parchments and irreplaceable documents on domestic and economic life over the centuries. The village's former thriving shoe-making industry and its 5 workshops, which finally closed down in the 1960s are well documented.

Due to its geographical location, Flayosc, which is in the Upper Var region and the Verdon Grand Canyon, does not resemble either the usual Riviera villages, or the nearby, more arid mountain villages. Many of the tourists who come here choose it as their permanent residence, for the tranquillity and quality of life it offers. It is also a very dynamic village, offering a whole range of activities rarely found elsewhere. Here, culture is omnipresent.

The Bureau de Tourisme et d'Animation Rurale manages around 30 different clubs and societies totalling 400 members. Flayosc also has its own library and organises street theatre events, concerts and film showings. Summer is the ideal time to enjoy the many traditional celebrations, such as the "Fête de Saint-Laurent" in early August and the Arts & Crafts Fair. Bric-a-brac markets also take place on the 4th Sunday of each month from May to October.

Visitors' book

August 2016 Nick
UK
We had a great time both in the village and travelling about the area - around and about has great deal to offer. The apartment was a great base and full of character - a pleasure to stay in.

August 2015 The Cochrane family
Bradford, UK
A lovely apartment with everything you need for a comfortable stay. The village of Flayosc has great restaurants, shops and entertainment.

December 2014 Kobus
Cape Town, South Africa
We had a most enjoyable stay in Flayosc. The house was like home from home.

September 2014 Harry
California, USA
It's been a terrific experience to come here and enjoy this beautiful area. Like a trip back in time to a better time and place! It will be remembered and appreciated for the rest of my life.

July 2014 Bob and Sarah
Adelaide, Australia
This charming 400 year old gite puts you right on the main square of this beautiful little Provenceal town where there is rarely a weird of English to be heard but a wonderful acceptance of the stary tourist who happens to find their way into the town. The property is beautifully appointed and decorated in keeping with local store and has everything you need for a great holiday. Flayosc is well located within easy reach of all sorts of activities such as the beach and wineries. Can't think of a better place to spend a week in if you want to relax in Provence! Such a lovely relaxing palce - a true French village with a wonderful ambience of restaurants, markets and locals. Very tolerant of our broken French! We will return.

July 2014 Patrick and Dieke
Holand
The house is really beautiful, we felt really at home here.

June 2014 Marilyn and Bob
Suffolk, UK
You have created a calm authentic lovely place here. The people are truly friendly abd welcoming, the food is delicious and fresh. A great place to relax, reflect and enjoy.

May 2013 Suzanne
Winthrop, Australia
What a wonderful place to stay. The history, the house itself, the bar below and all the restaurants in the square. We will most certainly recommend this to our friends and will stay again ourselves.

September 2012 George
Fife, Scotland
It has been 5 years since our last visit and we are please to say that Flayosc has not changed. The village an villagers are just lovely. Once again a beautiful experience. Loved the house and local people who made our stay so memorable.

August 2012 Virginia
Victoria, Australia
We had a lovely time in Flayosc. What a beautiful little village and to be in the heart of it has been so much fun. What a cosy beautiful place to stay in and wee will miss it.

August 2012 Ian
London, UK
We had a lovely time ... enjoyed the buzz of the village square.

August 2012 Russell
London, UK
The apartment is lovely and we enjoyed sitting out on the terrace for breakfast and in the evening. We enjoyed Flayosc as a village during the day with a good Monday morning market for lovely local produce.

July 2012 Richard
Edinburgh, Scotland
We've had a fabulous time here. Flayosc is a great location and a lovely village - Five nights of entertainment. First time here in the South of France, but we'll definitely be back.

July 2012 Rebecca
Shrewsbury, UK
Well, we've been travelling though and to France for years, and eventually, thanks to this gorgeous place, I've now actually got it! Provence is beautiful. Perfect swimming and perfect sunshine. We've had a brilliant week.

July 2012 Chris
Caernarfon, Wales
We have had a wonderful week staying in this lovely house. Everything about the village was more than we were expecting. Lots of great days out at the seaside and in the countryside. We love the CD's and all of the furniture in the house. Really have thought of everything! We will definitely return sometime!

May 2012 Diane
Astoria, USA
Maison Mimosa is a stunningly atmospheric Provencal home and it was a delight to stay there. We have loved being part of a French community and the locals have been extremely friendly and helpful. We could buy everything we needed right here in the village for both our picnics and evening dinners.

May 2012 Cilette
Astoria, USA
My mother and I absolutely LOVED this property! It was quintessential all things Provencal. We HIGHLY recommend this property. The little town was a wonderful little village set in the south of France.... It was completely lovely and exceeded all our expectations, we sincerely hope we can come again. Thank you!

August 2011 Noreen & Richard
Dorchester, UK
We enjoyed every aspect. Loved the fact that we could just walk out for anything, especially breakfast provisions. Certainly needed the fans these last two weeks. Very hot from the 13th to 26th. Great provisions and well organised.

August 2011 Malcolm & Mandy
Milton Keynes, UK
Here with our two young boys who loved the entertainment in the square! The people in the village were lovely. As were the restaurants we ate at.

July 2011 Bridgit & Paul
Derbyshire, UK
After our long car journey from home, we arrived quite late and were grateful for such a well prepared, homely holiday home.

June 2011 Dorothy & Albert
Melbourne, Australia
We came all the way from Australia for the "Provence" experience, with high expectations and just blind faith that the village we chose would fill all our dreams. Both the village and the "Maison" did just that. Living in such an old building for even just one week was magic to us. Hundreds of years old with so many people passing through the door, we don't get that in Australia. The staircase gave us plenty of exercise, we needed that to work off the food & wine. Beautiful village, friendly people & lots to see in the area.

May 2011 Paul & Bernadette
New South Wales, Australia
After a few weeks in Switzerland & Italy, Flayosc was our introduction to the rural French experience. This beautiful village provided a picture postcard welcome. The sights were only exceeded by the friendly locals. All of the businesses were helpful, friendly & patient to our atrocious attempts at murdering their beautiful language. We didn't have a bad meal in any of the restaurants, the village square was great. This charming residence added to the experience. Thanks Adrian & Murielle for your tips and advice when we arrived.

January 2011 Ade & Sharon
Albury, Australia
This beautiful place was more that I could have ever imagined. This home is like a fairy tale - a magnificent fairy tale. What an absolute pleasure to stay there. We thought we had walked into a film set, such was the wonder and splendour of our surroundings. The intrinsic charm of the house has been a delight, listening to Haydn, drinking Armagnac and gazing into an open log fire will be a cherished feeling for a long time to come!! Oh yes, and by the way... see you next year!!

October 2010 Michael & Linda
Bendigo, Australia
As a family of 2 adults and 2 children (10 & 13 years), we thoughly enjoyed our week in Flayosc at Maison Mimosa. Hilights included: - Morning coffees at bar downstairs. - Driving to the Gorges du Verdon & Kayaking up the gorge. - Walking the streets of St.Tropez and watching the finish of a big yacht race. - Fantisising about the lives of the rich and famous at Antibes, Cannes & St. Tropez. - Driving the coast road from Cannes to St. Rapheal. - Lunch, (Menu du Jour 12 €) at Ampus at resturant le Noelis 04 94 70 97 24. - Maison Mimosa! It was a great week, one that we will always remember.

September 2010 Holly & Wally
Bristol, UK
The morning light if the top bedroom is wonderful to wake up to. The trip down to the boulangerie for breakfast is a delight - even with the worst french! We've only encountered the friendliest of locals. The brocante market in old NIce on Mondays is (expensive!) a lovely way to waste an afternoon. The surrounding villages and countryside is well worth the drive. We spent our honeymoon in Maison Mimosa. It will always be with us. We can't wait to return.

Definitely Moustiers Ste. Maxime picturesque, great value shopping, and stop at (Croix) bridge after Les Salles du Verdon for great photographs of lake and gorge.

Kayaking (or pedalo) from the above bridge down the river in the gorge.

Drive around the gorge (if really comportable with edges, cliffs, left hand drive and narrow roads).

Ferry to St. Tropez from Ste. Maxime to avoid road traffic.
A beautiful place, surprisingly still unspoilt. Clime to the citadel for magnificent views and history.

Aix-en-Provence Saturday market - brilliant.

Pont du Gard, spectacular Roman bridge & history

Menton, near Italian boarder - beautiful waterfront

Antibes - Spectacular large yachts, nice beaches, pretty old town

Nice - lovely old town, promenade & beaches

Tourtour, for a"perched" village, lovely lanes and fountains.

Les Arcs - really surprising old town, lots of history

And of course, not least, Flayosc

The vitality of village life

The choice of restaurants, or take away specialities..
Recommend- "La Fleur de Thym" 04 94 50 31 53, just up the street, for a special night out
- Restaurant/café on terrace next to the tourist office for impressive good meals

Enjoy your stay!

31 May 09 Janie & Dick
Houston, Texas, USA
Five days is barely enough to decompress but better than nothing. One needs seven months in this charming village, using it as a base of exploring provence. We are just getting in the rhythm of Flayosc café and fresh croissants in the morning, long walks though the village, lunch, siesta, evening pastis and long supper - driving trips to the countryside, Tourtour, the gorge, Ste. Marie, or a good book & café in the square. We shall return for a longer stay. Maison Mimosa is the perfect place for our family to gather in a small, but rich with character, village in Provence. Flayosc has given us a fell for "living in Provence". Even though our French was limited, the people who seemed to enjoy sharing this special place. I enjoyed hearing sounds of the village - children playing, family and friends gathering for coffee. I look forward to returning to stay here. Having a chance to sketch and paint with water colour, inspires me to make this an annual trek. A bientot.

01/05/09 Felicity and John
Teddington, Middlesex, UK
Most enjoyable week wandering around the village & countryside, excellent wine from the co-op. A couple of evenings in front of a roaring log-fire followed by 2 days of blazing sunshine on the roof terrace. I would recommend a custard sandwich from the boulangerie down the road.

April 09 Corine & Ben
Thank you so much! Your house is very, very cosy! It's very romantic. Great CD player, CDs & DJs playing in the local bar. wonderful a "genial endroit". J'espire a bientot dans le sud de la France. Merci a Vous.

02/01/09 Theo & Natasja
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
What a time, winter in Flayosc and Provence. completely different than summer we presume but we enjoyed it! With the fireplace and the heater going, winter isn't bad at all here. Lovely house! This week there was an antique brocante in Fayence which was superb. Another recommendation is lunchtime at Colombe d'Or in St. Paul de Vence with a visit to Fondation Marguerite after that. Maybe in summer it would be very crowded, but in summer is was perfect with nice sunshine in the miro garden of the museum, a must see! Hope you will all enjoy your visit here in the nearby future as much as we did.

01/11/08 Stuart and Myra
NE England
Different season, different view of life in France. Great village with all the character you would expect.

06/10/08 Kristopher and Marinna
USA and Hungary
We spent our second week in France at the Maison de Mimosa. Let's see - there are a million things to do and see - St Tropez, St. Maxime, and the usual. I would recommend the beaches of Le Lavandou, the island of Port-Cros (be ready to hike!), the island of Porquerolles (be ready to bike!), Grimaud, Domaine Ott, Chateau de Berne, but most of all I would recommend falling into the South of France rhythm of life - coffee and pastries from the boulangerie in the morning, rosé at 11:30, lunch from 12:00 to 14:00 a nap from 14:00 to 15:00, some sightseeing from 15:00 to 20:00, and then dinner and more wine by a roaring fire. We will be back to Maison Mimosa! There is a boulangerie right downstairs, but there is a much better one down the street (towards the Spar). The short walk is worth it.

28/09/08 Louise & Joakim
Ireland and Finland
Flayosc and Maison Mimosa was really the Provençal experience my husband and I were looking for. As this was our honeymoon, I cannot think of anything more romantic. From the beautiful roof terrace the view is breathtaking. Especially if you sit on the left just beyond the glass doors. Looking out at the top of the roofs. And I think Tourtour is one of the hills in the distance; another village you must go to. The Maison is furnished with such lovely antiques, that we called into a local chateau. Chateau du Deffends, down in Flayosquet. Down near the tennis club. That visit sent us to Arles a big antique furniture from all of the Provençal region. Like going to a museum only better, you can buy the stuff!

The highlight was when we went hot air ballooning over the village of Forcalquier and the amazing surrounding landscape. This was done with a company called Montgolfieres. they were very professional but friendly and supplied us with a champagne (well sparkling wine) breakfast on our landing! Truly something to do before you die! Went to St. Tropez via a ferry from Ste. Maxime. the ferry was probably the best part. Found St. Tropez very packed with people, and I know we visited off-season!

Flayosc it self is a very genuine French village. More about the locals than the tourists. This I enjoy as villages like Tourtour may have more charm, they don't have the same soul. We did all of this and more on very bad French! The people in general are very patient, and will help you. Won't say the same for their driving though!

16/08/08 Cathy, Graham, Derek & Sheila
Dunboyne, Ireland
We found the house beautiful, charming and comfortable. Staying over the village was great fun. Flayosc is a friendly French village with unique and interesting shops. Of the lovely restaurants in Flayosc our favorite was L'Oustaou - Located outside our window. You must visit the Gorges du Verdon and Tourtour. St. Tropez was lovely, but a pain of a drive!

09/08/08 Amy & Toby
London, UK
We have had a fantastic stay here in Maison Mimosa. I'd like to re-iterate everything said on the previous page - the walk up Ste. Baum is definitely worth the sweet & pain and the restaurant Fleur du Thyme had the best food I've tasted in a long time.

Another great visit is Sillans la Cascade - beautiful waterfall and the river is very refreshing (aka cold!) but just what's needed when the sun's doing its worst.

The locals have all been really welcoming & friendly which has been so helpful, and again as Andy says, befriend Donny downstairs, he's a super star in disguise!

06/08/08 A & K
East Sussex
Our stay in Maison Mimosa has been enjoyed by all. Flayosc is an interesting little village which gave us more than we could have expected. Good food, fun and great locals. You must befriend Donny and family downstairs at Bar la Remise as they have been invaluable to us in so many ways. As others have said previously

You really ought to visit:

Gorges du Verdon

St. Maximin-la-Ste-Baume town to walk the Ste. Baume

Aix-en-Provence for culture

Eat at:

Restaurant Méllissan

Restaurant Fleur du Thyme

For the drivers amongst you, always add 10% to the expected journey time as some main roads up hills leave you feeling dizzy and scared of the way the French drive, be warned.

26/04/08 David & Kirsten
Chilworth, Nr Guildford, England
We had a lovely time at Maison Mimosa here in Flayosc. some Highlights for us were the 'Corniche Sublime' route arround the Gorges du Verdon, great views and great driving roads if that is your thing. the town of Grimaud is well worth a visit too. St clair beach was very pleasant.

For good value & good quality food. Restaurant le Méllissan on the other side of the road is a must visit. The boulangerie up the hill on the left makes better baguettes too!

19/07/08 Peng, Tony & Ashley
Singapore
Being city dweller, we very much enjoyed sitting in Cafe du Midi sipping our café creme every morning and watching the French village life. Our 7 year old loves the pizza at Café du Commerce which I recommend as well.

01/07/08 Brad, Heather & Seth
Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
We had a wonderful time. The house, with its lovely layout and furnishings, is an excellent home base. All of the nearby towns are charming, each in their own way. We agree, the Gorge is a must see. Also be sure to try the "Echaudes" from the boulangerie here on the place. Good olive oil in the co-op outside Aups. Great place for textiles in Salernes. The grottoes in Villecroze are fascinating. All in all, we had a perfect vacation. Thanks for the use of your lovely home.

30/05/08 Bob & Jan
Perth, West Australia
We have enjoyed a relaxing 2 weeks in Maison Mimosa & Flayosc. 2 weeks allowed us time for sightseeing & enjoying and being involved in the village life. 'Gorges du Verdon' a must and surrounding villages & towns each have their own charm and character. All worth a look. We enjoyed lovely food at Le Mélissan, Buddah de Jade and Vezza d'Oglio. there is an English speaking, very lovely Doctor, if needed, just down from La Plste, opposite Garden Centre.

May 08 Phaedra & Jamie
My husband and I could not have asked for a better place to start our honeymoon! The village is so welcoming and easy to slip into. A drive to the Gorges du Verdon is recommended, however, if you are at all sensitive, motion sickness pills are also recommended! The caves at Villecroze are amazing and the surrounding park would be the perfect place for a picnic. Our departure from Maison Mimosa is bitter sweet - while we look forward to the rest of the trip, we are sad to leave the place, which has become another home!